Region 5 Representative Jim Lark voted no Vice Chairman Arvin Vohra’s suspension and removal making the final decision fall on the shoulders of Chairman Nicholas Sarwark.
Lark stated
I hope all is well with you. I am writing to provide some information about a couple of matters. 1) In a separate message I shall send my vote on the motion to suspend Arvin Vohra. While I believe several of Mr. Vohra's actions are reflective of poor judgment, I am not convinced that the recent MeWe post in question or his previous statements constitute a violation of the certification (also referred to as the "membership pledge"). In particular, I believe that the post in question was an attempt at humor (albeit an attempt that failed badly), and I accept his statements that he does not advocate violence against the state. (I have some additional concerns about the wording of the motion, which I shall discuss if the need arises.) On Mar. 31, I sent a message to Mr. Vohra about the MeWe post. I stated my belief that the intentional posting of the message in such a place suggested questionable judgment, and perhaps an indifference to the negative effect such posts may have on the LP, especially with respect to some of our affiliate organizations. I also requested that he resign from the LNC, preferably with immediate effect. For whatever it is worth, this is one of the most difficult votes I have cast during my service as an LNC member. I am concerned that some of Mr. Vohra's statements have caused damage to the LP, and may cause damage in the future. Thus, I understand very well why the motion is supported by many people whose character and judgment I greatly respect. I am also concerned that passage of the motion may cause as many problems over the long term as it may alleviate. In most cases when I have such uncertainty concerning a motion, I abstain. However, in this case, since an abstention functions as a "nay" vote, I believe it is appropriate to vote "nay."
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